Firearm Magazine Incorporating Spring Tension Relief Mechanism

ABSTRACT

A magazine for use with semi-automatic and automatic firearms that includes a mechanism for relaxing the tension on the spring when the magazine is loaded with ammunition by lowering and extending the spring out of the bottom of the magazine. The magazine can be stored in a fully loaded configuration without concern that the spring will take on a compression set that will hamper its effectiveness in advancing ammo when the magazine is put to use in an associated firearm.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to firearm magazines and/or clips.

BACKGROUND

Automatic and semi-automatic firearms typically utilize a cartridge magazine that incorporates a spring to force the cartridge or ammunition round towards the associated firearm's chamber to facilitate chamber reloading after a round has been discharged. An experienced user can eject a spent magazine and replace it with a loaded magazine in a matter of seconds.

Commonly, firearm users, whether military, police or civilian maintain a number of preloaded magazines to permit convenient and/or rapid replacement of an empty magazine during use of the firearm. When fully loaded, the springs are held in a highly stressed compressed configuration. Overtime, the spring may relax or take a set reducing the spring's ability to properly urge the associated rounds into the chamber of a firearm when the magazine is eventually called into use causing inoperability of the firearm in a possibly crucial situation. Accordingly, it is not advisable to maintain magazines in a loaded configuration for long periods of time.

A typical prior art magazine 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The magazine comprises a body 102 that is typically comprised of steel or another metal that has been drawn or otherwise formed to define an elongated generally rectangular cavity in which rounds of ammo 200 can be received in a stacked configuration. The body is typically open on both its top and bottom ends 104 & 106. The edges along the top end 104 are typically folded inwardly (not shown) to retain a round of ammo therein. During use ammo is slid forward and out of the front side of the magazine by the firearm's slide. The next round is then urged upwardly in the magazine against the folded inwardly portion of the top end by the spring 108.

The bottom end 106 of a typical prior art magazine often includes a pair of opposing outwardly extending flanges 110 that extend along the left and right edges thereof. The outwardly extending flanges are configured to interface with a magazine base 112 that is slid over the flanges and acts to hold the bottom end of the spring 108 within the magazine. The base is often made of a plastic material although others can be used.

The body 102 also typically includes an opening 118 or openings on one or more sides of the magazine that permit a user to quickly ascertain the number of rounds loaded therein.

The elongated coil spring 108 is wound in an ovular shape to fit within and fill a significant portion of the body cavity when the magazine is unloaded as best shown in FIG. 1. The spring is bounded at its top by an ammo advancement plate 114 that cradles an adjacent round of ammunition separating it from direct contact with the spring. The spring is bounded on the bottom by a spring base plate 116 that is coupled to the spring and rests upon magazine base plate.

Prior art FIG. 3 is illustrative of the highly compressed state of the spring 108 when the magazine is fully loaded with ammunition 200: seven rounds in the illustrated magazine. If the magazine is stored in this state for extended periods of time, the spring may take a permanent set in the compressed position or lose some of its elastic bias thereby reducing its effectiveness in biasing the ammunition against the top end of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is side view of a typical prior art magazine in an empty condition with the spring contained within the magazine housing shown in dashed line.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the prior art magazine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the prior art magazine of FIG. 1 in a loaded condition with the spring fully compressed.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a loaded magazine having a telescoping bottom section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5 & 6 are side views of the FIG. 4 magazine illustrating the extension of the bottom from a compact configuration to an extended configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a loaded magazine having a single telescoping bottom section according to another embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 8 is a side view of a loaded magazine having a pair of wire rods that can be lowered to reduce the tension on the spring according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention comprise a magazine for use with semi-automatic and automatic firearms that includes a mechanism for relaxing the tension on the spring when the magazine is loaded with ammunition by lowering and extending the spring out of the bottom of the magazine. Advantageously, the magazine can be stored in a fully loaded configuration without concern that the spring will take on a compression set that will hamper its effectiveness in advancing ammo when the magazine is put to use in an associated firearm.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “one variation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a variation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

The term “integrate” or “integrated” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to a blending, uniting, or incorporation of the identified elements, components or objects into a unified whole.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

As applicable, the terms “about” or “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied and as such where the indicated margins are not readily applicable, the foregoing terms have meanings attributable to them as would be understood by someone of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

The phrase “extension mechanism” as used herein refers to the means by which a magazine base is lowered relative to the body a predetermined distance but maintains an interconnection between the base and the body through the extension mechanism. Three types of extension mechanisms are illustrated and described herein: a multi-part telescoping sleeve; a telescoping sleeve; and a pair of sliding wire rods. The extension mechanism allows the magazine spring to be extended to a less stressed state even when the magazine is loaded with rounds of ammunition. It is to be appreciated that other types of extension mechanism with or without differing types of latch mechanism incorporated into the base or body are contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill given the benefit of this disclosure.

The phrase “latch mechanism” as used herein refers to any suitable mechanism for securing the base to a bottom end of the magazine's body not necessarily one that includes a physical latch. Rather the term latch is intended to convey that the mechanism secures the base to the body by way of a selectively releasable means.

A First Embodiment of a Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief Mechanism

FIGS. 4-6 & 9 illustrate a first embodiment of a magazine 300 incorporating a mechanism to relieve some of the biasing stress induced on the spring when the magazine is loaded with ammunition. The magazine shares several components that are generally similar to the components in a typical prior art magazine. For instance, the first embodiment includes a generally rectangular tubular body 302 defining an interior cavity wherein ammunition 200 and a spring 308 are received and contained. The top end 304 is also substantially similar to the top end in a prior art magazine and the body includes one or more openings 318 to view the ammunition loaded in the magazine. The spring is generally similar although its width and breadth may vary slightly to account for differences in the first embodiment and prior art magazines. The primary differences between the first embodiment as well as all the other embodiments described herein when compared to prior art magazines relate to the bottom end of the body and the magazine itself.

Most notably, the first embodiment magazine comprises a series of three telescoping sleeves 320, 322 & 324 that are configured to extend from the bottom of the body 302 effectively increasing the length of the cavity formed by the body substantially. As shown, the extended cavity permits the spring 308 to extend and relax decreasing the chance that the spring will take a set despite the magazine 300 remaining loaded.

The bottom sleeve 324 is coupled to a base 312 that supports the bottom end of the associated spring 308 by way of a spring base plate 316. The base also includes a pair of latch mechanisms 326 as best shown in FIGS. 5 & 6 that interface with flanges 310 along the front and rear sides of the body 302 to hold the body in place and selectively release to permit the extension of the telescoping sleeves. It is appreciated that the particulars of the latch mechanisms and their catches on the body can vary substantially and significantly among variations and other embodiments as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

As best shown in FIG. 9, flanges 328 that extend inwardly into the cavity are also typically provided at the bottom end of the body along the left and right sides. Similar inwardly extending flanges 330 & 332 are provided on the bottom ends of at least the top two telescoping sleeves 320 & 322. The inwardly extending flanges interface with correspond with mating outwardly extending flanges 334, 336 & 338 along the top end of each of the sleeves permitting the telescoping sleeves to extend without separating from one another. As can be appreciated the relative size of the flanges and correspondingly the difference in width of the respective sleeves is exaggerated in FIG. 9 for sake of clarity. In actuality, the relative widths of the sleeves will not vary as dramatically.

A Second Embodiment of a Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief Mechanism

The embodiment of a magazine 400 illustrated in FIG. 7 is substantially similar to the magazine illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 having a body 402 forming a cavity wherein a spring 408 resides except instead of utilizing three nesting and telescoping sleeves only a single telescoping sleeve 420 is provided. The body's bottom end 406 further includes similar outwardly extending flanges 410 and inwardly extending flanges (not shown, see FIG. 9, elements 328 for comparison) as the bottom end 306 of the first embodiment's body. Additionally, the second embodiment body includes a similar opening(s) 418 to view ammunition and a top end 404. Ostensibly, the body 402 of the second embodiment is identical to the body of the first embodiment.

The top end of the single sleeve 420 is also very similar to the topmost sleeve of the first embodiment including outwardly extending flanges (not shown, see FIG. 9, elements 334 for reference) that interface with corresponding flanges on the body to prevent the separation of the sleeve from the body when the sleeve is extended. However, differing from the topmost sleeve of the first embodiment, the bottom end thereof is secured to the base 412.

The base 412 is similar to the base of the first embodiment as are the latch mechanisms 426 similar to those of the first embodiment. Operation is similar except the amount of spring relief may be less than that which is provided by the first embodiment depending on the specific configuration. As can be appreciated, other embodiments are also contemplated having two telescoping sleeves or even more than three.

A Third Embodiment of a Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief Mechanism

The magazine embodiment 500 illustrated in FIGS. 8 & 10 provides the same general function as the first and second embodiments, except rather than employ sliding telescoping sleeves to lower a base, the third embodiment uses a pair of opposed wire rods 540 to lower the base 512 and relieve tension of the spring 508 when the latch mechanisms 526 are actuated. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right sides of the body 502 include recesses to receive the rods 540 when the magazine is in the retracted configuration.

A Method of Making a Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief Mechanism

Embodiments of the magazine and its components can be made by many suitable techniques depending on the materials used therefore. A typical body 302,402,502 is comprised of steel or another suitable metal that is formed out of plate or drawn to shape. Bodies that are at least partially comprised of plastic are also known and can be injected molded. The extension sleeves 320, 322, 324, 420 are usually drawn or formed from steel in a similar fashion as the body.

The base 312, 412, 512 can also be formed from steel or plastic with the latch mechanisms 326,426, 526 being added thereafter in a subsequent manufacturing operation. The spring base plate 316, 416, 516 and the ammo advancement plate can be made of any suitable material including steel and plastic. The spring 308, 408, 508, which is typically sourced as complete is typically formed from spring steel.

The first embodiment magazine is typically assembled in the following manner: (1) the sleeves 320, 322, 324 are slid in to the body 302 from the topside of the body in the appropriate order; (2) the ammo advancement plate (not shown, see plate 114 in FIG. 2 is slid into the body from its bottom side 306; (3) the spring 318 with the spring base plate 316 attached to its bottom end is slid into the body from the bottom side; (4) the base 312 is coupled to the bottom sleeve 324; and (4) the spring is compressed collapsing the sleeved and feeding them into the body's cavity until the base can be secured to the bottom side of the body using the latch mechanisms 326.

The other embodiments are assembled in a similar manner as the first embodiment taking into consideration the differences therewith.

A Method of Using Firearm Magazine having a Spring Relief Mechanism

Embodiments of the magazine 300, 400, 500 are used in a substantially similar manner as prior art magazines except they permit the tension on the spring to be relieved at least partially when storing the magazine in a loaded condition. They are loaded with ammunition in a similar manner as prior art magazines. They are inserted and removed from a firearm in the same manner as a prior art magazine, and they operate within the firearm in the same fashion as a prior art magazine.

When the user intends to store a loaded embodiment of the magazine for long periods of time, the user activates the latch mechanisms permitting the spring to be lowered out of the bottom of the body to relieve tension on the spring and helping to prevent the spring from taking a set. When the user is ready to use the embodiment that has been stored in the relaxed configuration he/she need only press the base back towards the body's bottom end until the latch mechanisms reengage the flanges on the bottom end securing the base to the body.

Other Embodiments and Variations

The various preferred embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying figures and/or described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. Specifically, the configurations of the magazines can vary substantially and significantly than as illustrated to conform to the requirements of particular firearms. The magazines can be configured for use in not only handguns but semi-automatic and automatic long guns as well. While three embodiments are described herein, numerous variations are contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. For instance, a wide variety of types of latch or securing mechanisms can be used to secure the base to the body of the magazine. Additionally, the structure utilized to permit the lowering of the spring can vary from the embodiments shown herein. 

I claim:
 1. A ammunition magazine for a firearm comprising: an elongated body having substantially open body top and body bottom ends and sidewalls extending between the body top end and body bottom end defining a cavity, the cavity configured to receive a plurality of stacked rounds of ammunition therein, the body top end adapted to permit the exit of a topmost round of the plurality of rounds during use of the magazine in the firearm; a coil spring having a spring top end and a spring bottom end at least partially contained within the cavity, the coil spring adapted to apply a biasing force against the plurality of rounds towards the body top end; a base including a latch mechanism, the base configured for selective attachment to the body bottom end; and an extension mechanism configured to lower and raise the base between first and second positions, the base being (i) in contact with and secured to the body bottom end in the first position and (ii) spaced a predetermined distance below body bottom end in the second position wherein the spring is spans the predetermined distance.
 2. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, further comprising an ammunition advancement plate coupled to the spring top end and a spring base plate coupled to the bottom end of the spring, the spring base plate being in contact with the base plate.
 3. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, further including the plurality of rounds of ammunition, the ammunition being contained within the cavity in a stacked configuration.
 4. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the base is in the second position.
 5. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the extension mechanism comprises a sleeve having a sleeve top end and a sleeve bottom end, the sleeve bottom end being attached to the base. The sleave being contained within the cavity in the first position and extending between the base and the body top end in the second position.
 6. The ammunition magazine of claim 5, wherein (1) the body bottom end includes opposing inwardly extending flanges, (2) the sleeve top end including opposing outwardly extending flanges, the inwardly and outwardly extending flanges interfacing when the base is in the second position to prevent the sleeve top end from sliding out of the body bottom end.
 7. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the extension mechanism comprises a plurality of interlocking sleeves, a bottom sleeve of the plurality of sleeves being attached to the base and a top sleeve of the plurality of sleeves including sleeve top end configured to interface with the body bottom end to retain the sleeve top end within the cavity proximate the body bottom end when the base is in the second position.
 8. The ammunition magazine of claim 7, wherein the body bottom end includes opposing inwardly extending flanges, (2) the sleeve top end includes opposing outwardly extending flanges, the inwardly and outwardly extending flanges interfacing when the base is in the second position to prevent the sleeve top end from sliding out of the body bottom end.
 9. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the extension mechanism comprises at least a pair of opposing rods each having a rod bottom end and a rod top end, The rod bottom ends being attached to the base and the rod top ends being configured to interface with the body to maintain a connection between the body and the rod top ends when the base is in the second position, the rods being received in the body when the base is in the first position.
 10. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the body further includes one or more openings through which contents of the cavity can be viewed.
 11. The ammunition magazine of claim 3 in further combination with a firearm, the magazine being operatively coupled with the firearm.
 12. The ammunition magazine of claim 1, wherein the body bottom end includes opposing outwardly extending flanges and the latch mechanism includes opposing latches, the latches being configured to interface with the outwardly extending latches and secure the base to the body in the first position.
 13. A method of making an ammunition magazine of claim 1 comprising: providing the elongated body; providing the coil spring; providing a base; providing an extension mechanism; and assembling the body, spring, base and extension mechanism to configure the magazine.
 14. The method of making the ammunition magazine of claim 13, further comprising, providing an ammunition advancement plate and a spring base plate.
 15. A method of using the ammunition magazine of claim 1, the method comprising: loading the magazine from the body top side with a plurality of rounds of ammunition; and releasing the latch mechanism and lowering the base the predetermined distance from the first position to the second position and relaxing the coil spring.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the base from the second position to the first position and securing the base to the body bottom end.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising loading the magazine into a firearm.
 18. A ammunition magazine for a firearm comprising: an elongated body having substantially open body top and body bottom ends and sidewalls extending between the body top end and body bottom end defining a cavity, the cavity configured to receive a plurality of stacked rounds of ammunition therein, the body top end adapted to permit the exit of a topmost round of the plurality of rounds during use of the magazine in the firearm, the body bottom end including a pair of opposing inwardly extending flanges; a coil spring having a spring top end and a spring bottom end at least partially contained within the cavity, the coil spring adapted to apply a biasing force against the plurality of rounds towards the body top end; an ammunition advancement plate, the ammunition advancement plate resting on the spring top end; a spring base plate coupled with the spring bottom end; a base including a latch mechanism, the base configured for selective attachment to the body bottom end, the spring bottom end being biased against the base; and an extension mechanism comprising a plurality of interlocking sleeves, a bottom sleeve of the plurality of sleeves being attached to the base and a top sleeve of the plurality of sleeves including sleeve top end configured to interface with the body bottom end to retain the sleeve top end within the cavity proximate the body bottom end when the base is in the second position, wherein the sleeve top end includes opposing outwardly extending flanges, the inwardly extending flanges and the outwardly extending flanges interfacing when the base is in the second position to prevent the sleeve top end from sliding out of the body bottom end.
 19. The ammunition magazine of claim 18 wherein the body bottom end includes opposing outwardly extending flanges and the latch mechanism includes opposing latches, the latches being configured to interface with the outwardly extending latches and secure the base to the body in the first position.
 20. The ammunition magazine of claim 19, further including the plurality of rounds of ammunition, the ammunition being contained within the cavity in a stacked configuration. 